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time between teaching at the Philadelphia College of Art and
making furniture at my place in the Catskills." Weisberg began
his career building sets for the theater and gradually moved into
commercial projects – outdoor structures and furniture. Back
then, only a few wood workers were creating rustic chairs and tables
in the Adirondack tradition. Today, the style has grown and expanded.
Weisberg calls his particular style "contemporary rustic"
– it's an evolution of design and aesthetics with a sculptural
foundation, rooted in the uneven lines and rough-hewn edges found
in the mountains. And while his style and interesting choice of
woods have caught the attention of collectors around the world,
it's Weisberg's quality craftsmanship that has won praise among
designers and craftsmen alike.
Featured in Daniel Mack's Making Rustic Furniture and The Rustic
Furniture Companion as well as Ralph Kylloe's Rustic Traditions,
Weisberg's work has been displayed in The Adirondack Museum, The
Erpf Catskill Cultural Center Gallery, and in museums across the
northeast. His reputation has spread largely through references
and recommendations – from collectors to interior designers
to architects. With the growth of his name and increasing recognition
of his work, Weisberg knew the time was right to improve his workspace
in Lexington and establish better control over the marketing of
his work.
"I have a unique niche because I use unusual woods –
cedars with interesting curves; oak, ash, and maple that bend
in interesting ways – species and grades that aren't traditionally
desired by sawmills," Weisberg says. "And when I heard
about the Watershed Forestry Program's grants, I decided to apply
for funds to improve my shop and develop a website."
The WFP's grants initiative is a USDA Forest Service-funded economic
development program targeting wood-based businesses in the New
York City Watersheds. Its goal is to ensure that forestry –
the preferred land use to protect water quality in the region
– continues to be a viable industry in the Catskills.
Last June, the WFP granted Weisberg funds to expand his studio
and install a new dust collection system in the space. The grant
also funded the purchase of a personal computer and the development
of a new website – www. juddworks.com – to market his
unique creations.
"The grant allowed me to create a more efficient, spacious
environment for my work," Weisberg says as he looks at his
renovated studio. "I can store more wood and keep it out
of the weather. And now I have more space – with better air
– to hire an apprentice or two! I'm tremendously grateful
to the Watershed Forestry Program for helping me grow and market
my work."
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